Daniel Farke has spoken exclusively with LUTV after signing a contract to become Leeds United’s first team manager. 

The 46-year-old, who has won promotion from the Sky Bet Championship twice previously, has agreed terms on a four-year contract at Elland Road.

After being announced as the club’s new manager, he shared his views about why he chose Leeds United as the next challenge.

“I am very grateful to work for this amazing club in such a responsible role,” Farke told LUTV.

“I feel the responsibility to fulfil the expectations and repay the trust, so it is a special moment and I am very grateful for this. 

“From tomorrow onwards I can focus on football only and there is nothing better than to smell and feel the grass, working with the boys. 

“Once you choose to become a manager, there is a lot to do, many new names to learn but it is always the same when you overtake a new club, very busy!

“I am looking forward to it and I’ve had a very warm welcome with lots of supportive faces. I can’t wait for the football to start."

After a tough season last time out for the Whites, the new manager is looking to bring positivity back to Elland Road. 

He said: “Let’s be honest, a season after a disappointing outcome is always difficult. You have to make many decisions in terms of the staff and players, you have to be smart. 

“It is important you work a lot in pre-season on the fitness of the players and I also have to bring my ideas about football and my vision into the heads and hearts of the players.

“There is lots to do in the next four and a half weeks, but we don’t complain, we are fully convinced of what we have to do and where we want to go. 

“We know when we have a big togetherness and unity at the club, then we have a chance to get better and better from week to week.  

“This is what we are aiming to do and we have a clear vision, so from now on we can work on it.”

Daniel Farke signs his contract at Elland Road.

Finally, Daniel explained how much he is looking forward to starting work with the Leeds United fans firmly at the forefront of his mind ahead of the new campaign, stating how much he has enjoyed matches at Elland Road previously. 

“Quite often in Germany, I was often asked what the most amazing stadium was,” he recalled.  

“Everyone there expected me to say the ‘big six’, but I always mentioned Elland Road was special and unique.

“I can remember one game with Norwich coming here, the whole stadium was chanting and behind the team, so this unity and togetherness with excitement is what we want to create. 

“I want to speak about making our supporters proud, this is important. The supporters deserve a team who gives everything and works their socks off. 

“If we do this, we know we will always have our supporters with us, especially at Elland Road but also at away games. 

“The most important topic is to create unity within this club again and from today onwards, we work on it with our staff and players. I can’t wait for our first home game against Cardiff.”